Connecticut's Distracted Drivers Targeted

The government's getting serious about drivers who use their cell phones to talk or text while behind the wheel, unveiling a pilot program in Connecticut and New York warning drivers to put down the phone or get pulled over.  "Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other" is the program created by the U.S. Department of Transportation--the program launches today in New York and tomorrow in Connecticut.

"If a driver is caught with a cell phone, they'll end up with a ticket," said Transportation Secretary Ray La Hood.  "It's time for drivers to act responsibly."

The pilot program, backed by $200,000 in federal funds will support local law enforcement, along with the airing of public service announcements on Connecticut television stations.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008 nearly 6,000 people were killed and more than half a million people injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.